Upon completing his tasks in the office, Zenki requested that Zhang Liang summon Zhen Yi for a heartfelt conversation about life.
The royal infirmary was a large, imposing building made of stone and marble, located within the palace grounds. The entrance was adorned with intricate carvings and had two guards stationed on either side. Inside, the infirmary was brightly lit with high windows that allowed the sunlight to filter in. The smell of herbs and medicine wafted through the air, and the sound of soft footsteps and hushed whispers could be heard throughout the halls. The treatment rooms were clean and spacious, with comfortable beds for the patients and various medical equipment lining the walls. The staff consisted of highly trained physicians and healers who worked tirelessly to tend to the needs of the injured and sick members of the royal family and court.
Zhen Yi exited the royal infirmary, his wound now bandaged and feeling much better. As he stepped outside, he saw Zhang Liang waiting for him. "Your highness, His majesty wishes to see you at his office," Zhang Liang said with a bow. Zhen Yi nodded, "Thank you, Zhang Liang. I'll head to his office right away." As he made his way to Zenki's office, Zhen Yi couldn't help but think about the earlier altercation with Zhang Yitian. He wondered what Zenki wanted to talk to him about, and if it had anything to do with Zhang Yitian. When he arrived at the office, he knocked on the door and entered. "Father, you wanted to see me?" Zhen Yi asked, bowing respectfully. "Yes, Zhen Yi. Please, take a seat," Zenki replied, gesturing towards a chair. Zhen Yi sat down, waiting for Zenki to speak.
"How are your wounds?" asked Zenki, looking concerned as he gazed at Zhen Yi's injuries.
"They are healing well, father," Zhen Yi replied, giving his father a small smile.
"I want to apologize to you, my son," Zenki said, a somber expression on his face. "I know that in the past, I was not always the best example of a fair leader. But lately, I have come to realize that being in a position of power means we have a responsibility to lead our people with kindness and equality."
Zhen Yi's eyes widened at his father's words. "What made you realize this, father?" he asked, curious.
"It was a conversation I had with one of our subjects," Zenki explained. "He told me how his family had been struggling to make ends meet, and how the government's policies were not helping them. It made me realize that we have a duty to our people, and that duty cannot be fulfilled if we are not treating them with fairness and empathy."
Zenki thought to himself, "This change in me wasn't due to my own merit or efforts, but rather because I'm not the same person who previously occupied this body."
As Zenki spoke, Zhen Yi listened intently, his eyes filled with curiosity and contemplation. Zenki continued, "I used to think that our royal blood made us superior, but now I see that it only means we have a greater responsibility to lead and serve our people. It's our duty to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to succeed and thrive, regardless of their background or status."
Zhen Yi thought about this for a moment, remembering the times when he had turned a blind eye to the struggles of his people. "But father," he hesitated, "how can we be sure that everyone is treated fairly?"
Zenki smiled, "It's not easy, but we can start by setting an example. By treating everyone with respect and kindness, and by making decisions based on what's best for the people, not just for ourselves."
Zhen Yi nodded slowly, starting to see the value in his father's words. "I understand now," he said, "I will do my best to be a fair and just leader like you, father."
Zenki's eyes gleamed with pride as he embraced his son, "I know you will, my son. Together, we can make a better future for our kingdom."
Zenki sat down with Zhen Yi and began to talk about their family. "Zhenyue has been with us for a long time now, and she has always treated you like her own child," Zenki said, "I hope you will treat her as your second mother."
Zhen Yi nodded, realizing how much Zhenyue had done for their family. "And what about Mingliang?" Zenki asked. "He may not be your full brother, but he is still your family. I hope you can treat him as such."
After a moment of contemplation, Zhen Yi came to a realization. He had always resented Mingliang and saw him as a nuisance, but now he understood that Mingliang was also his father's son. Zhen Yi had matured since his childhood and was now able to think more clearly. "I will make an effort to treat Mingliang as my brother," Zhen Yi said with a solemn expression.
Zenki turned to Zhen Yi with a serious expression. "And what about Mengting?" he asked. "Although she may be your half-sister, I hope that you will treat her with the same respect and love as you do for Yu Mei, your full sister. I understand that you were unkind to her when you were children, but now that you are an adult and the heir to the throne, I hope that you will do better and make things right with her."
Zhen Yi nodded, feeling a sense of guilt and regret for his past behavior towards Mengting. "I understand, Father. I was wrong to treat Mengting poorly in the past, and I realize now that she deserves to be treated as a true sister," he said with sincerity in his voice.
Zhen Yi nodded in agreement, realizing the importance of family. "I understand, father. And I apologize for how I treated Mingliang and Mengting in the past. I know I neglected them and treated them poorly. But now, I want to make amends and treat them as my true family," Zhen Yi said.
Zenki's smile grew wider, and he placed a hand on Zhen Yi's shoulder. "I'm glad to hear that, my son. I also acknowledge that I may have neglected our second family in the past, but I promise to make it up to them and be a better father to all of you," Zenki said with sincerity.
Zhen Yi felt a weight lifted off his shoulders, knowing that his father also acknowledged his mistakes and was willing to make things right. "Thank you, father. I'm grateful for this chance to make things right and for your support," Zhen Yi said with gratitude.
Zenki smiled at Zhen Yi. "We may not be a perfect family, but we are still a family. And we need to support and love each other, no matter what."
Zenki cleared his throat. "Son, there's something I need to talk to you about. It's about Zhang Yitian," he said.
Zhen Yi tensed up at the mention of the name, still feeling the effects of their earlier altercation. "What about him?" he asked cautiously.
"He's going to be staying with us in the castle," Zenki replied calmly.
"What? Why?" Zhen Yi exclaimed in disbelief.
"He's the eldest disciple of Liu Yong, and Liu Yong has asked me to take him in as a favor," Zenki explained.
Zhen Yi scowled. "I don't want him here, father. He's caused enough trouble already."
"I know there's bad blood between you two, but I hope you can put that behind you. We need to set an example for the rest of the kingdom, and that means treating our guests respectfully.
"Zhen Yi," Zenki said solemnly, "I hope that from now on, you will stay by my side and learn from both my mistakes and achievements. As the heir to the throne, it's important that you understand the responsibilities that come with it."
Zhen Yi nodded, "I understand, father. I will do as you say and learn as much as I can from you."
Zenki smiled at Zhen Yi, hoping to convey his sincerity. "It's good to see that you're willing to learn and grow from my experiences, my son. As for Zhang Yitian, I hope you'll talk to him and put our past enmity behind us. It's important that we move forward and focus on the present, especially since he'll be staying with us in the castle as the eldest disciple of Liu Yong."
Zhen Yi nodded again, "Yes, father. I will do my best to make amends with him and treat him with the respect he deserves."
After his heartfelt conversation with his father, Zhen Yi sought out Zhang Liang and inquired about Zhang Yitian's whereabouts. He learned that Zhang Yitian was currently training at the hall, so he made his way there. Upon arriving, he witnessed a friendly spar between Mengting and Zhang Yitian, and to his surprise, Mengting emerged victorious.
Zhen Yi couldn't help but smile wryly to himself, realizing that even if he wanted to bully or pick on Mengting, he would be no match for her. He made his way over to Zhang Yitian, who was catching his breath after the sparring session. "Zhang Yitian, may I have a word with you?" Zhen Yi asked with a polite tone, hoping to clear the air between them.
Zhang Yitian hesitated, but seeing the genuine change in Zhen Yi's demeanor, he agreed. The two of them found a quiet corner of the training hall and sat down.
"I want to apologize for my behavior in the past," Zhen Yi said, "I was wrong to let my guards attack you for some minor thing."
Zhang Yitian was taken aback by Zhen Yi's apology. He had never expected the proud and arrogant prince to admit his mistakes.
"Your apology means a lot to me," Zhang Yitian responded, "and I am willing to let bygones be bygones and put our past enmity behind us. As the senior brother of your siblings, I consider you as family to an extent."
"I also learned from my father your enmity with nobles and royalty, and i will show you that we royals from the Kingdom of Avaloria are different" Zhen Yi solemnly sweared
"Father made me aware of your past enmity with nobles and royalty from the Kingdom of Frosthold that led to the loss of your family," Zhen Yi said solemnly to Zhang Yitian. "But I want you to know that we royals from the Kingdom of Avaloria are different, and I vow to show you that by treating you with respect and kindness."
Zhen Yi smiled and extended his hand towards Zhang Yitian, who hesitated for a moment before taking it.
"I'm glad we can put our past behind us," Zhen Yi said. "I know my actions may have caused some resentment towards me, but I hope I can make it up to you in the future."
Zhang Yitian nodded, "I appreciate your gesture, Zhen Yi. And I'm willing to give you a chance."
Zhen Yi's smile widened, "That means a lot to me, Zhang Yitian. Let's work towards a better future together."
As they shook hands, both of them felt a sense of relief, knowing that the weight of their past enmity was finally lifted. They parted ways, but with a newfound respect for each other.